"Skill: Descent of the Titan."

"Source: Deep Sea Titan."

"According to Wright of the Twelve Stars, the Deep Sea Titan has three stages. The first is the Deep Sea Giant. In the second stage, its body is covered in chain-like secret markings, identical to those that appeared on the Awakened named Stone. As for the third stage, it enters a berserk state, unleashing an endless array of skills. We estimate its power can reach the standard of a top-tier S-class sea beast, no weaker than a Leviathan."

A row of researchers stood before Trellin, reporting their findings.

"???"

"Is this all just intelligence purchased from the Twelve Stars? Do you think I don’t already know all this?"

"What about your research findings?"

Trellin’s voice was low, laced with an authority that required no anger.

"Sir, based on the remaining Sea Beast Flesh and Blood recovered from the seabed, we’ve been unable to determine its specific abilities. After all, the one who could analyze it on sight is dead, and our current genetic analysis technology is still imperfect. Even the Doctor would have difficulty determining any more information."

"Go get the Doctor."

As the Director of the Lighthouse, Trellin was under immense pressure.

After communicating with the Black Society, they came to the same conclusion: the Awakened who killed Miss Yan was very likely the same person who killed Edward. Not only that, but the one who sank the *Thunder God* and orchestrated the scheme to snatch 1,500 Pure Dome Crystals was also him!

The Lighthouse had always been the one taking advantage of others.

When had they ever suffered such a colossal loss at the hands of one person?

It was a complete inversion of the natural order.

Therefore, even as Director, Trellin was facing enormous pressure.

"Director, the Doctor is here."

Trellin cleared his throat and got straight to the point.

"Project ’Miracle Recreation’—what additional resources do you need to move it forward?"

The Doctor’s murky eyes immediately lit up.

"Director, we need 100 Sailing Stones, 30 Sailing Crystals, 5 Sailing Hearts, 1 Sailing Star, 5,000 grams of S-class Sea Beast Flesh and Blood, 5,000 grams of S-class Awakened body tissue, and 5,000 Pure Dome Crystals."

"You’ve got some nerve."

Trellin’s tone was icy.

’One hundred Sailing Stones meant destroying 100 Bronze-class Drifter Ships. That’s one thing, but five Sailing Hearts and one Sailing Star? That means dismantling five Golden Ships and one Admiral-class Ship. You really have some nerve asking for that!’

He fell silent for a moment before his hoarse voice spoke again.

"At most, you’ll get thirty Sailing Stones, ten Sailing Crystals, and one Sailing Heart."

"I can approve the S-class Sea Beast Flesh and Blood."

"Also," he began, his voice dropping lower.

"If Miss Yan were still alive, I’m sure she would have been willing to contribute to our research. As for your second-to-last request... I can grant you that as well."

"We are making significant sacrifices. I need to see results, and quickly."

"Do you understand?"

With the promise secured, the Doctor left Trellin’s executive office.

Trellin took out a communicator and sent a private message to Robert, the head of the Gold Pagoda.

"Contact the *Son of the Sun*."

"The hunt for Sailing Stones needs to be more aggressive."

Over an hour later, Robert’s reply finally arrived.

"Director, the *Son of the Sun* has sunk. The only survivor is its captain, Prince Atte. We have already made contact with him. As per our agreement, we will purchase the thirty Sailing Crystal Stones he has in his possession and then proceed with the ’cleanup’ to find a new partner."

Trellin was somewhat surprised by the *Son of the Sun’s* fate.

’But I’m quite satisfied with how my subordinate handled it. A glove that has outlived its usefulness should be disposed of completely, lest it dirty its master’s hands.’

...

...

...

Piloting his small boat, Prince Atte finally saw a drifter ship sailing toward him across the boundless ocean.

"Damn it, you’re finally here!"

"Any later and I would’ve been baked dry by the sun!"

He clutched the ’beehive’ on his person. It contained the capital he needed to make a comeback.

The most precious items within were the Sailing Heart salvaged from the *Son of the Sun* and over thirty other Crystal Stones he had accumulated. These seemingly useless stones could be exchanged with his partners for a vast fortune.

’Once I’m back on my feet, I’ll make that kid pay a thousand times over!’

Prince Atte had already burned Shi Ming’s face into his memory.

’If I have to, I’ll use the Lighthouse’s power.’

’And besides, I still have the Lamp of Wishes.’

The ship drew near.

Atte leaped from the simple escape craft, casting it aside in disgust before boarding the Gold-class Drifter Ship, *The Old Day*.

It was one of eleven drifter ships affiliated with the Lighthouse. In the past, its overall strength ranked below the *Yellowrock*, but now that the *Yellowrock* had been sunk for many years, *The Old Day*’s power had vaulted it to the number one Golden Ship in the Lighthouse’s fleet.

It had been sent to meet Atte simply because it was the closest.

...

"Prince Atte."

Thomas, captain of *The Old Day*, greeted him with a smile and extended a hand to help the prince aboard.

He even pulled him into a welcoming hug.

"We are deeply sympathetic about what happened to the *Son of the Sun*. If there’s anything at all we can do to help you, Prince, we will do everything in our power."

The two exchanged brief pleasantries.

They quickly got down to business.

In a private reception room, his men brought out a heavy chest. When it was opened, it revealed a stash of brilliant Pure Dome Crystals.

"Prince Atte, this is a show of our sincerity."

"The Lighthouse is the foremost power on the Endless Ocean today. Cooperate with us, Prince Atte, and your future will be bright."

Atte was very satisfied. He reached to his waist and produced a pouch containing the dozens of Sailing Crystal Stones.

The tedious process of exchange and signing followed.

"Excellent. Prince Atte, you are a reliable partner. I hope our future collaborations will be just as smooth."

Thomas completed the transaction with a hearty laugh.

Then, with a wave of his hand, three A-class Awakened leaped out from the ship’s cabin.

"Kill him."

Atte was stunned.

His face then turned ashen, his expression contorted with rage.

"You bastards! Is this what the Lighthouse’s reputation amounts to?"

"It’s just a few Pure Dome Crystals! For such a paltry sum, you’re willing to sacrifice your entire reputation?"

Atte glared, his eyes burning with absolute fury.

’I originally thought that backing myself with a top-tier power like the Lighthouse was like finding a great tree to climb. I figured working for them had to be better than drifting on the Sea of Yellow Sand with my father and brothers.’

’I never imagined that such a major power would stoop to such despicable acts!’

"Reputation?"

"You took it upon yourself to destroy nearly fifty drifter ships, some of which even belonged to the Lighthouse. For humanitarian reasons, *The Old Day* will now deliver your punishment."

"You people from the Lighthouse are shameless!"

Furious as he was, the prince quickly unleashed his Awakened ability. But the small boat he had arrived on had long since been taken by *The Old Day*, leaving him with no escape.

His A-class Awakened ability: Mirage Illusion Realm!

Three versus one. A support-type ability against strong offensive types. The outcome was a foregone conclusion.

Prince Atte quickly found himself overwhelmed.

Defeat was only a moment away.

"Bastards!"

"You’ll pay for this!"

Cornered, the prince once again pulled out the dim lamp.